In addition to the stage several factors influence the treatment of haemorrhoids. The adequate treatment of haemorrhoids is not solely dependent on the stage, thus a situation-adapted therapy should be preferred. Advantages, disadvantages and specific characteristics of different therapy strategies in addition to potential complication risks have to be evaluated in order to obtain an effective and low-risk course. Also requests and personal living conditions of the patient as well as the expertise and experience of the physician have to be considered. A review of the current literature has been performed and a "four columns concept" has been developed that constitutes the fundament of a situation-adjusted treatment of haemorrhoids. The "four columns" that should be considered when therapy strategies are determined are composed of the following key factors: diagnostic findings, treatment alternatives, physician, and patient.
Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.